Cooling System Page

I just started building the cooling system recently.  I did a lot of research on what kind of radiator to use and finally ended up with a Modine #347.  My friend Dave had a Modine catalog and I spent hours pouring through it looking at measurements and core sizes.  I finally found model #347 which came stock in a 1967 Buick Skylark with a 400 cubic inch engine.  The catalog only listed core dimensions without the tanks factored in.  I had to use my best judgment on how much to add for the tanks.  The 347 has a core dimension of 20 3/4 x 17 x 2 1/2.  Its a 4 row cross flow style with 1 1/2 inlet and 1  9/16 outlet.  It also has a built in tranny cooler which I probably won't use.  It worked out perfectly!!  I have it mounted between the frame rails and I have about 1/2 inch clearance on either side.  The larger tank is tapered so it fits between thee frame rails but gets wider as it goes up.  This is an added bonus because I will be able to run more coolant.

 The bottom of the radiator had a flange that I was able to easily build a mount from.  I took an idea from the shop where I purchased the radiator.  The shop welded their mounts on but I had to figure out a way to bolt mine on.  I used angle iron and 5/16 bolts to built two posts on the bottom to mount through tabs on the rear of my cross member.

In the picture on the left you can see the tabs on the back of the cross member.  I put a slight bend in them so the rubber mounts would sit flat but the angle of the radiator would match the angle of the engine driven fan.  In the right picture you can see how I used 4 rubber mounts to sandwich the mounting tabs.  I also used large diameter washers so the bolt wouldn't pull through the rubber while I'm out twisting it up on the rocks.

In the left picture it sits in its new home.  It has at least 1/4 inch clearance from everything.  If I have problems with it hitting I can shim the mounts so it sits a little higher.  I have plenty of room between the top of the radiator and the hood to go up if I have to.  Its hard to see but I have exactly an inch between the fan and radiator.  I plan on building a full shroud to aid in maximum airflow through the radiator.  I also plan on installing a separate cooler with its own fan for the tranny.  Perma Cool makes a self contained unit for trannys.  After I get the shroud made I'll add ears to it and use the factory rods that go from the radiator to the cowl to support the top.  My goal is to not have anything attached to the fenders or grill so if the emergency arose I could pull the front clip off and still be able to get my self out of the backcountry.  I did have to cut the backs off the headlight buckets and most of the grill to clear the radiator.  My whole grill is about 2 inches thick at the thickest part.  One of the trade offs to run a small block Chevy.  Thanks Dave and Tim for listening to me rant.  At least you won't have to hear about the radiator anymore.  And thanks to Steve for the rubber mounts.  Now on to other things.....

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